Evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of an epithelializing cream in cutaneous toxic reactions by the type of hand-foot syndrome: a prospective comparative non-randomized study

Background. Hand-foot syndrome is a common manifestation of skin toxic reactions associated with anticancer therapy and is accompanied by painful fissures, functional limitations and decreased quality of life. Comparative data on the effectiveness of epithelializing agents for established skin defects remain limited, which determines the relevance of this study. Objective. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a cream that accelerates the epithelialization of palmoplantar fissures in improving quality of life in patients with skin toxic reactions by the type of hand-foot syndrome. Material and methods. A prospective, comparative, non-randomized study involving 45 patients with hand-foot syndrome was carried out. Follow-up period amounted to 14 days. Change in the total score and individual quality of life indicators according to EQ-5D questionnaire were the primary endpoint; additional photographic documentation of clinical manifestations was performed. Results. All patients completed the study; the groups were comparable in baseline characteristics. In the study group, a statistically more pronounced improvement in the EQ-5D score was noted compared to the comparison group (p<0.001). In addition, at the control visit, the indicator was statistically significantly higher in the study group compared to the group of alternative epithelializing agents (intergroup comparison p<0.001). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion. The studied epithelializing agent demonstrated a more significant improvement in quality of life during the short-term follow up, which confirms the feasibility of its use in maintenance therapy.